Skate apparatus

ABSTRACT

A skate apparatus for use in simulating movements made during Alpine and Nordic skiing. The skate apparatus comprises of a pair of skate members each having an elongate carriage member defining an upper platform surface and preferably having ski bindings affixed thereto. The carriage member supports a plurality of wheels, preferably arranged in pairs disposed along a central axis, that are rigidly maintained in a generally parallel configuration relative the upper platform surface. When worn and utilized by an individual, skate apparatus of the present invention closely mimics the balance and feel as would be encountered during conventional skiing maneuvers, especially with respect to turning motions made while skiing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] (Not Applicable)

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

[0002] (Not Applicable)

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The sport of skiing is well-known and enjoyed by millions throughout the world. While skiing may be deemed to include a variety of different types of activities and specialties, the activity of skiing typically may be characterized as either Alpine (i.e., downhill) or Nordic (i.e., cross-country). Both offer exceptional forms of exercise and, especially with respect to Alpine skiing, offer tremendous fun and excitement for both amateurs and professionals.

[0004] Problematic with the sport of skiing, however, is the vital element of snow and the cold climactic conditions necessary to preserve skiing conditions. As is well-known, skiing can only be enjoyed in very select places around the world, and further is seasonal in nature. As such, not only is it logistically difficult, if not impossible, for many people to enjoy the sport of skiing but even to the extent ideal skiing areas can be accessed, the same typically can only be enjoyed for a few months out of the year.

[0005] Such disadvantages are extremely problematic for professional skiers and other serious ski enthusiasts that have the desire to practice and train throughout the year and/or reside in areas that do not provide any type of suitable skiing conditions. As a result, such individuals are typically forced to undergo alternative training in the off-season, as well as rely upon less than suitable ski simulator machines and the like. With respect to the latter, such machines are well-known to be expensive and, even with respect to the most sophisticated of such simulators, can only generally approximate the skiing experience. In this regard, virtually all types of ski simulators and the like cannot accurately demand or impart the movement, balance and coordination necessary to practice turns and other types of maneuvers as encountered in actual skiing.

[0006] As an alternative, low-cost solution to these problems, many skiers in the off-season and/or without access to suitable skiing conditions will simply utilize conventional in-line skates or roller skates. In this regard, such skates are relatively inexpensive and are widely available. The use of such skates, however, while generally useful in developing balance and coordination, do not closely approximate the motions and maneuvers that are made during skiing.

[0007] With regard to in-line skates, the same typically comprise a single line of wheels and, in order to make a turn, such row of wheels must be tipped at an angle. Such motion requires that the balance and distribution of weight be made along such single row of wheels at all times, and does not approximate the motion that must be made in skiing whereby weight is distributed from the bottom to the sides of the feet or along the lateral edges or sides of the ski. In this regard, in skiing, weight is distributed over a wider surface area when skiing in a linear motion but is distributed narrowly to the edge of the skis when making turns, and the single row of wheels fails to replicate such conditions.

[0008] Similar shortcomings apply with respect to conventional roller skates. Typically, roller skates have two pairs of wheels (i.e., front and rear) that are mounted on a “truck” or axle system that enables the skate to be able to turn in a manner such that all four wheels stay in contact with the ground. As the skate is tipped to one side when making a turn, the truck brings the wheels facing the turn closer together between the ground and the skater's foot while the opposed front and rear wheels are caused to spread farther apart from the skater's foot to create the turning maneuver. As such, during the turn weight is distributed across all four wheels at all times, whereas a turn made during skiing requires the skier to apply his or her weight and maneuver his or her body such that a single side or lateral edge of the ski is forced in the direction of the turn, leaving the other opposed side or lateral edge of the ski to tilt in an upwardly angled, elevated condition that does not come in contact with the ground.

[0009] As such, there is a substantial need in the art for a skate-type apparatus that closely approximates the motions and maneuvers that must be made during conventional Alpine or Nordic skiing that can be utilized virtually any time, anywhere. There is additionally a need for such a skate apparatus that is designed to require the rider utilizing the same to make turning motions and balance his or her weight in a manner that is identical or nearly identical to the motions and balance that must be made for making a turn while skiing. There is still further a need in the art for such a skate apparatus that more closely simulates the motions and maneuvers that must be made during skiing that is far superior than conventional in-line skates or roller skates. There is likewise a need in the art for such a skate apparatus that is of simple construction, low cost to manufacture, may be readily manufactured utilizing existing skate equipment and technology, and may be readily and easily utilized as a teaching aid in training and conditioning activities related to skiing.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above-identified deficiencies in the art. In this regard, the present invention is directed to a skate apparatus that closely mimics, if not exactly reproduces, the balance, feel and handling that would be experienced by a skier during conventional skiing, particularly when utilized to make downhill turning motions.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the skate apparatus comprises a pair of skate members worn on respective of ones of a user's feet. Each respective skate member includes a carriage member preferably formed to have an elongate configuration defining front and rear ends. Formed upon the top of the carriage member is a platform surface preferably having ski bindings formed thereon for receiving and interconnecting with conventional ski boots. Secured underneath the carriage member are a plurality of wheels rotatively mounted upon dedicated axle members that are rigidly maintained position, and preferably in generally parallel relation, relative to the upper platform surface defined by the carriage member. Preferably, such plurality of wheels comprise pairs of wheels mounted upon dedicated axle members and arranged along a central axis extending from the front to rear ends of the carriage member. In one preferred embodiment, each respective skate member has four pairs of wheels disposed underneath the carriage member.

[0012] In use, the user will simply attach conventional ski boots onto the bindings formed upon the upper platform surface of the carriage members. Thereafter, the user can use the skate apparatus of the present invention to perform Alpine and Nordic ski maneuvers across any type of suitable surface, whether it be paved surfaces, downhill terrain or the like. As per conventional skiing, the user may be able to direct and move his or herself via the skate apparatus of the present invention, as he or she would maneuver per conventional skiing. In particular, the device is exceptionally useful in training and conditioning applications wherein it is desirous to teach skiers motions and maneuvers associated with making turns during Alpine skiing.

[0013] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a skate apparatus that enables individuals seeking to train or practice skiing maneuvers year round and in the absence of skiing conditions.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a skate apparatus that is more effective and efficient in approximating the motions made while skiing than prior art devices, and in particular, in-line skates and roller skates.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a skate apparatus that is of simple construction, relatively low cost, may be readily fabricated from known materials, durable, and can be quickly and easily utilized in virtually any type of environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] These as well as other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein:

[0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of an individual utilizing the skate apparatus of the present invention for use in simulating Alpine skiing maneuvers.

[0018]FIG. 2 is a frontal perspective view taken along line 2 of FIG. 1 showing the skate apparatus of the present invention assuming a turning configuration.

[0019]FIG. 3 is a side perspective of the skate apparatus of the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 4 is a frontal perspective view of the skate apparatus of the present invention.

[0021]FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the skate apparatus of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and sequences of steps for constructing and operating the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments and that they are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention.

[0023] Referring now to the Figures, and initially to FIG. 1, there is perspectively illustrated a skate apparatus 10 for use by an individual 12 for use in approximating the various movements that individual 12 would encounter during Alpine skiing, as indicated by inclined slope 14. In this regard, the skate apparatus 10 of the present invention is specifically designed and configured to impart the feel and handling of conventional snow skis, especially when utilized to make turning motions. In this regard, the skate apparatus 10 of the present invention enables individual 12 to practice, train and condition herself for skiing in the off season or when skiing conditions are not otherwise available.

[0024] As illustrated, the skate apparatus 10 comprises skate members that are received upon each of the individual's 12 feet. Specifically, each skate member comprises an elongate carriage member 16 having front and back ends. Formed upon the top surface of each carriage member 16 is a platform surface 18, that preferably has bindings 20 attached thereto, the latter, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, being adapted to receive and secure ski boots 22 thereto.

[0025] Although such bindings 20 are preferable, it should be readily understood that the same need not be provided and that the skate apparatus 10 of the present invention may merely be provided with conventional boots or shoes that may either be permanently secured or detachably fastenable thereto. By providing bindings 20, however, which thus enables the skate apparatus 10 to be readily utilized with conventional ski boots 22, it is believed that the skate apparatus will better replicate the conditions that would be encountered during actual skiing.

[0026] In order to enable the skate apparatus 10 of the present invention to closely approximate actual skiing conditions, the carriage member 16 thereof includes a plurality of wheels 24 that are rotatively mounted thereto via dedicated axle members 26, more clearly seen in FIGS. 3-5. As illustrated, the wheels 24 are preferably arranged as side-by-side pairs that extend along the carriage member 16. As illustrated, the respective axle members 26 are mounted to depending sidewall portions 28 formed upon the carriage member 16. In the preferred embodiment shown, the carriage member 16 will have an inverted “u” shape such that the sidewall portions 28 extend downwardly and provide means to secure the opposed sides of said axle members 26.

[0027] Along these lines, it is imperative in the functioning of the present invention that the axle members 26 be rigidly maintained in their orientation relative the carriage member 16, and in particular the upper platform surface 18 thereof. More particularly, in order to impart the desired feel and handling of conventional skis discussed more fully below, such axle members 26 ideally must remain generally parallel relative the upper platform surface 18, as shown in particularity in FIGS. 2 and 4.

[0028] As should be readily appreciated, although depicted as an elongate row of pairs of wheels, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that a variety of other types of wheel configurations may be suitable for the practice of the present invention. In this respect, it is contemplated that such wheels may be staggered on opposed sides of the carriage member, or alternatively, that a greater number of wheels and/or pairs of wheels may be deployed. In any embodiment, however, such wheels must be caused to rotate in fixed position relative upper platform surface 18.

[0029] By fixing the position and axis of rotation for each respective wheel, the skate apparatus 10 of the present invention is able to precisely or near-precisely approximate the feel and handling of conventional skis. As illustrated in FIG. 5, when being utilized for conventional Nordic type skiing maneuvers, the weight of the skater will be distributed across both pairs of wheels, as indicated by the letter “C” in FIG. 5. The distribution of weight over a wider surface area, not to mention the longer surface area provided by the elongate rows of wheels, more closely approximates the skiing experience.

[0030] The skate apparatus likewise assumes the positioning of conventional skis when utilized to make turning maneuvers. As illustrated in FIG. 2, which shows the skate apparatus being manipulated to make a turn as viewed from FIG. 1, the legs 12 a, 12 b of the individual 12 are caused to lean along axes A and B, respectively. As a consequence, platform surfaces 18, which are rigidly maintained in generally perpendicular configuration relative axes A and B, correspondingly tilt and thus cause the wheels on the right side of the respective carriage members 16 to remain in contact with the ground, while the corresponding wheels of the left side thereof are lifted off the ground 14 and tilt upwardly as shown.

[0031] Unlike prior art roller skates, the rigidly maintained axle members 26 relative upper platform surface 18 approximate the feel and handling of conventional skis. In this regard, prior art skates, when subjected to the motion depicted in FIG. 2, are operative to cause both paired wheels to come in contact with the ground to thus spread and distribute the weight of the skater over a broader surface area. The present invention, in contrast, provides for much greater precision by causing the skater to balance the skate apparatus from a level configuration, where the weight is distributed across both pairs of wheels, to a single line of wheels, as depicted in FIG. 2.

[0032] As a result, the skater 12 is forced to transition from a state whereby the weight is evenly distributed over both wheels, as would be encountered during flat, non-maneuvering skiing, and precise angles of direction, as encountered during downhill turns as shown. As recognized above, in line skates, although approximating the feel of a turning experience while skiing, do not provide for the distribution of weight over pairs of wheels, and much less pairs of wheels extending along the length of a carriage member extending substantially beyond both the foot and heel of the skater.

[0033] As will be appreciated, additional modifications and improvements of the present invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the particular combination of parts and steps described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternative devices and methods within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A skate apparatus for approximating the feel and handling of conventional snow skis comprising a pair of skate members operatively fastenable to respective ones of an individual's feet, each said skate members comprising an elongate carriage member having front and back ends and defining an upper platform surface, said carriage member having a plurality of wheels rotatively affixed thereto such that said wheel members rotate in substantially rigid orientation relative said upper platform surface.
 2. The skate apparatus of claim 1 wherein said plurality of said wheels are rotatively mounted to said carriage member via dedicated axle members.
 3. The skate apparatus of claim 1 wherein said plurality of said wheels are arranged as pairs of wheels, each respective pair of wheels being secured to said carriage member by a dedicated axle member.
 4. The skate apparatus of claim 3 wherein each skate member is provided with at least four pairs of wheels arranged in a generally linear fashion along the length of said carriage member.
 5. The skate apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus further comprises a binding apparatus formed on each respective platform surface of said carriage members, each respective binding apparatus being operative to detachably interlock with a conventional ski boot.
 6. The skate apparatus of claim 1 wherein said plurality of wheels are affixed to said carriage member such that said wheel members rotate in substantially parallel relation relative said upper platform surface.
 7. The skate apparatus of claim 2 wherein each respective one of said axle members are rigidly maintained in substantially parallel relation relative said upper platform surface.
 8. The skate apparatus of claim 3 wherein each respective one of said axle members are rigidly maintained in substantially parallel relation relative said upper platform surface. 